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Flames coaches should not panic–FAM

• There won’t be any rush decisions—Nyamilandu
• Pundits back coaches

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said there is no reason for Flames coaches to worry about their future following the team’s exit from the 2015 edition of the Cosafa Cup.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu was responding to a question on whether the future of coach Young Chimodzi and his deputy Jack Chamangwana hangs in the balance as winning the regional showpiece was one of the targets set for them to be considered for contract extensions.
The Flames were booted out in the quarter-finals by Mozambique’s Mambas on post-match penalties after the two teams fought out a two-all draw in regulation time. The Flames were leading 2-1 until virtually the last kick of the game when a defensive lapse led to defender Limbikani Mzava scoring into his own net.
“Indeed, performance is a critical factor in the contract agreement. All parties will be required to review the contracts of the coaches end of June [next month] and make a joint determination bearing in mind that Malawi Government is the employer.
“However, for now we are focused on preparing for the [2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against] Zimbabwe so that we have a good start to the campaign. The loss yesterday [Monday] should not cause any panic or bring divisions in the team, but should provide lessons for the forthcoming games,” said the FAM boss.
He added: “So there won’t be any rush decisions. We will take our time to reflect on the positions of the contracts with sober minds soon after the Zimbabwe match.”

Dejected: Chamangwana (L) and Chimodzi during Monday  match
Dejected: Chamangwana (L) and Chimodzi during Monday match
Seasoned tactician Yasin Osman threw his weight behind the coaches, saying they tried all they could.
“In a game of that nature, it is difficult to blame the coaches. We dominated in terms of possession and we were a better side tactically, but as is usually the case, there was a lapse in concentration towards the very end probably because our players could not devise a technique on how to hold on to the win in the remaining few minutes, they were guilty of ball watching.
“In such a situation, there is very little that a coach can do and that is where you need an authoritative captain who should be able to offer technical advice and drive them, the likes of Peter Mponda. Unfortunately, we do not have that leadership. We also need to drum into the players that a game is not over until the very last whistle,” said Osman.
His views were corroborated by Mponda who admitted that Flames continue to be haunted by the failure to hold their nerve up to the last gasp.
“Apart from the late lapse in concentration, I think we also need to improve on communication between the goalkeeper and his centre backs. Otherwise, let’s be honest and fair, the guys played well,” said the revered former Flames skipper.
Nyamilandu: There is no reason for Flames coaches to worry about their future
Nyamilandu: There is no reason for Flames coaches to worry about their future
Physical trainer Mark Tembo had a slightly different theory, saying the Flames often concede late goals due to lapse in concentration which comes about because of fatigue.
“It is definitely due to fatigue and this comes about because they don’t have that physique to last 90 minutes, they do not have enough physical training.
“If there is anything that [former Flames coach] late Henry Moyo succeeded, then it was to prepare his team physically. He was not a strategist and that is why they were able to stand the heat against big teams such as Cameroon and Ivory Coast. No wonder he qualified for 1984 Afcon and 1987 All Africa Games,” said Tembo.
The Flames’ shortcomings of conceding goals in the dying minutes, especially in crucial matches, is refusing to die. During the 2015 Afcon qualifiers, they conceded late goals against Algeria, Ethiopia and Mali. It was also the case in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

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